Artist Spotlight: Dylan Rosser

This London photographer's work makes everyone want to be a male physique photographer. But it's harder than it looks.

BY Christopher Harrity

January 07 2012 5:00 AM ET

Over the course of the past decade Dylan Rosser has become one of the leading lights in the field of male nude photography. Based in London, the artist has now racked up four photo books and a loyal following of fans who help to support his work. As he puts it, "There really is not much money to be made from shooting naked men, as enjoyable as it sounds." Perhaps better money lies in shooting fashion campaigns and editorial, something that Dylan has never been interested in.

Due to the lack of outlets to showcase his nude work, he started his website, TheMaleForm.net, a few years ago, and it has now become his main business, along with various other projects that keep him occupied around the clock. "I find it hard to take a break and do nothing so I will usually just end up back in front of the computer, editing and retouching images, or coming up with new ideas like tMf Magazine (tMfMagazine.com), which I started last year."

Naked, the fourth book from the photographer, was released a few months ago, and after a successful launch in London, he is hoping to do a launch party in Los Angeles in February.

The Advocate: Why are you a photographer?Dylan Rosser: I started out in graphic design, but I always felt a bit more freedom doing the photography on the side. Gradually the photography over took the design side. I am quite a solitary person, and even though shooting male nudes does involve working with a model, that is really a very small part of it. Most of the time it is just me, my ideas, and my computer ... creating.

What catches your eye?In a model? I think it is a self-confident, masculine sexiness. Faces are extremely important to me, and finding a combination of great face attached to a great body is hard.

How do you choose your subjects?I prefer to work with guys that are eager to work with me. It is always flattering when a model makes the first move. But in terms of looks, I like to find guys that have a bit of a "fashion" look, guys that you maybe would not expect to do full frontal.

How do you describe your work?Simple and polished. Because of my design background I do not like clutter, so for me I want the model in a setting that is not going to distract. I could be shooting at the most amazing location and end up just using one of the walls. I like things to look perfect, and so I have been known to go overboard with the Photoshop sometimes. But that is just the tools I grew up with and how I work. I think in a way the term "digital artist" is a better term.

What artists do you take inspiration from and why?I like Rick Day because of the "sex" he manages to put into his images. Annie Leibovitz for the skill and creativity of her work. Andreas Bitesnich for the simplicity and beauty of his